Pear-shaped body types linked to lower risk of gout: genetic evidence from Mendelian randomization
Authors' conclusion
This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the association between fat distribution, urate levels, and gout risk, suggesting a potential lower risk of gout in individuals with a pear-shaped body.
Study context
- Population
- Genetic data on nine fat distribution traits (raw and adjusted GFAT, ASAT, VAT and their ratios) as exposures; urate levels and gout as outcomes
- Comparison
- Genetically predicted fat distribution vs urate levels and gout risk
- Outcome
- Causal associations of genetically predicted fat distribution with urate levels and gout risk
Methodological detailstwo-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), multivariate MR, two-step MR mediation analysis, multiple sensitivity analyses
- Two-sample MR
- Multivariate MR
- Two-step MR mediation analysis
- Multiple sensitivity analyses
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Significant negative causal association between GFAT (raw and adjusted) and urate levels as well as gout risk
- Significant positive causal association between ASAT and urate levels
Further findings
Mediation of GFAT's protective effect on gout risk by urate level
- Proportion mediated by urate, raw GFAT
- 36%
- Proportion mediated by urate, adjusted GFAT
- 40%
- Two-step MR
Multivariable MR
- Findings remained consistent across multivariable analyses
Original publication
Pear-shaped body types linked to lower risk of gout: genetic evidence from Mendelian randomization. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 7 August 2025. doi:10.
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